Saturday, May 19, 2007

Scripture:“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 1 Chron 29:14

Observation:The last plea of a great king. David here gives his final decree and final order, the last request of a dying old man he gives to his son and he gives a last prayer before he passes away. "Build the temple son, I wanted to but...". Here you really hear his heart at this age. I bet he really wanted to build the temple, he really wanted to build something for his God. But God did not allow it. God did not allow it because of the actions that David did. I wonder how he must have felt when God said that his hands were too bloody. I wonder how much that decision affected his psyche. Like Moses when he was taken to the top of the mountain and all he could do is see the promise land he led people to but he could not enter it. I wonder if David felt the same. Here you get a glimpse of his heart, of even though God has said no, he did as much as he could and he accepted it wholeheartedly. David’s cry is, “Who am I, that I could give as much” He recognized that God is sovereign.

Application:My application, “Who am I” really “who am I”. Today in this world I have been given all kinds of assignments, titles, and responsibilities. But really who am I? David here shows the answer. He answers by saying that above all, I am servant. He gives it all to God, he gives God his servant heart. Next he shows that in everything he gives thanks. David prayed a whole lot, maybe I need to do that too. A servant and someone who is in prayer. That is what all life comes down to, “who am I” A servant who prays.

Prayer:Lord help me to pray a lot more, I want to serve you and serve others also.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Scripture:During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afriad and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matt 14:25-31

Observation:I like this story, a story of risk, of faith and of walking out when you know the odds are against you. Not that this applies to my life now or anything. It is a time where Jesus is walking out on the water. Can you imagine what that looks like. Walking out on water. That would scare the crap out of me. But the great thing is, Jesus responded immediately. It seems the lesson here is that within storms Jesus comes out and sees us immediately. He does not wait, he does not hesitate, when He knows we are in fear, he comes to our aid immediately. Also what you hear is that it is okay to be afriad. it is okay to be scared and be terrified in fear.

Application:Today I am in fear. Lord I have no idea what to do now. I am scared. But I know that you Lord will help me. You Lord will help. You will come out and now you are walking on water. You are walking on water and I am calling out to you. Oh God I know that I do not what to do. Are you calling me out to come and walk. I think you are, I think the walk will be dangerous, but Lord I am growing impatient. In the middle of this storm I want you to take me out immediately. I don’t know what to do. However, leaning on you I am able to just rest in your arms. Also Lord I know that I am not too far away from your arms. And now I am calling. But Lord help me to have faith. Let me build my so that I do not sink.

Prayer:Lord, faith is important. It is what going to determin what happens next. Develop my faith, Lord God. I cry out to you as I sink in these waters. Rescue me from this and help me have trust in You.